Trinity College Dublin Students' Union - SCHEDULE 4 Policy Manual - Trinity Students' Union
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Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union
SCHEDULE 4
Policy Manual
Last Updated
29.01.2019INTRODUCTION Schedule 4 of the TCDSU Constitution (also known as The Policy Manual) contains all Long Term Policies and Mandates passed by Referendum of the Student Body and by Council, respectively. It is managed and interpreted by the members of the Oversight Commission, who also investigate any possible breaches of mandate and constitutional obligation. The Oversight Commission have provided updates on the completion status of as many mandates as possible, as determined by interviews with the Sabbatical Officers and reports from Council. Note that in Section 2, The Disability Policy and The Irish Language Policy are not valid parts of this schedule. This is because they were themselves schedules of the previous constitution, but were not carried into the current constitution. Hence, they only apply when Council mandates them to apply, e.g. Mandate 08/09-20.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION ONE: Long Term Policy
• LTP1: Abortion Information
• LTP2: Nestlé Products
• LTP3: Membership of USI
• LTP4: Sports Centre Levy
• LTP5: Semeterised Examinations Policy
• LTP6: Direct Provision
• LTP7: Pro-Choice Mandate
• LTP8: Palestine, and BDS of Israel
SECTION TWO: Other Policy
• CP1: Disability Policy
• CP2: Irish Language Policy
SECTION THREE: Mandates & Mandated Policy
16/17
1. Motion on Student Centre
2. Motion on Lobby Group
3. Motion on Polling Hours
4. Motion on Schedule 9
5. Motion on Accessibility to Ents Events
6. Motion on Ents Officer Support
7. Motion on Installations Officer for Ents Committee
8. Motion on Drug Decriminalisation
9. Motion on Join Course Programme Convenor
10. Motion on Class Representative Talk
11. Motion on SU Staff
12. Motion on SU-GSU Memorandum
13. Motion on Students Rejected from Trinity Hall
14. Motion on Accessibility of Lecture Slides
15. Motion on Availability of Lecture Slides
16. Motion on Peer Support Training
17. Motion on Livestreaming
18. Motion on Fracking
19. Motion on PrEP
20. Motion on Gender Neutral Bathroom
21. Motion on INMO Support
22. Motion on Ethnic Minorities Officer
23. Motion on Bringing JCR President to Union Forum24. Motion on Local Issues
25. Motion on Trinity Volunteer Forum
26. Motion on Fees
27. Motion on Government Lobbying to Support Rights of People with Disabilities
28. Motion on the SU supporting TCD Strike for Repeal in Striking, Demonstration
and Solidarity
29. Motion on Unity of Ireland
30. Motion on Harm Reduction Efforts at Ents Event
31. Motion on HEA Fund
32. Motion on Formation of Academic Senate
33. Motion on Supporting Irish Legislation against Censorship of Scientific Findings
34. Motion on S2S Proposal
35. Motion on Peer Support Strategy
36. Motion on Branding
37. Motion on Harm Reduction Stance
38. Motion on Northern Irish Students
17/18
1. Motion on LGBTQ Sub Committee
2. Motion on Student Poverty
3. Motion on Single Use Plastic
4. Motion on Booking Class Rep Training
5. Motion on Upkeep of the Management System
6. Motion on Board of Trustees
7. Motion on Increasing the Size of the Communications Committee to Five
Members
8. Motion on TCDSU Style Guide Expansion
9. Motion on Community Liaison PTO
10. Motion on Class Rep Election
11. Motion to Remove Stance on TFT
12. Motion on Aramark and Direct Provision
13. Motion on Gender Recognition for Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex People
14. Motion on Removal of RAG Week Committee
15. Motion on Management of Schedules
16. Motion to Call a Preferendum on Proposed Supplemental Charges
17. Motion on Commercial Revenue Steering Group
18. Motion on the Creation of a Constitutional Review Working Group
19. Motion on the Management of Schedules
20. Motion on Honorary Membership
18/19
1. Motion on Unanswered Questions
2. Motion on Increasing the Size of the Welfare Committee
3. Motion on Student Fees4. Motion on Consent Workshops 5. Motion on Sabbatical Office Hours 6. Motion on Reporting of Sabbatical Expenses 7. Motion on Expansion of the Education Committee 8. Motion on International Students Committee 9. Motion on Pharmacy Fees 10. Motion on Wheelchair Fencing Proposal 11. Motion on School Convenor Crossover Document Template 12. Motion on HEA Fund - Laptop Rental Scheme 13. Motion on HEA Fund - TBSI Student Space 14. Motion on INMO Nursing Strike
SECTION 1 Long Term Policy
LTP 1: Abortion Information Enacted: 1990 We mandate the Students’ Union to: a) Provide full information on all pregnancy options, including the option of abortion, as this information is presently being censored in Ireland; b) Campaign to make professional non-directive pregnancy counselling available for Irish women c) Campaign for greater availability of comprehensive sex education and contraception, and promote the sale of condoms in the SU shop; d) Continue working for more and cheaper places in the College crèche for the children of students; e) Campaign against all discrimination against single parents, and work to ensure a living income and decent housing for them and their children. LTP 2: Nestlé Products Enacted: 2004 TCDSU votes to boycott (not to stock or sell) Nescafé or other Nestlé products in the Students’ Union shops. We encourage College to do the same. We take this action in the light of Nestlé’s continuing contravention of the World Health Organisation/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of breast milk substitutes by promoting bottle feeding and undermining breast-feeding LTP 3: Membership of USI Enacted: 2013 We support the continued affiliation of TCDSU to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and for the costs associated with affiliation to be met by an annual levy of no more than 8 Euro per student.
LTP 4: Sports Centre Levy Enacted: 2015 TCDSU should support an increase in the existing Annual Sports Centre charge from ¤90 to ¤120 with the provision that; • Students with financial hardship would be exempt from the charge, as moderated by the Senior Tutor’s office. • The levy would be overseen by the SU and the Treasurer’s Office. LTP 5: Semeterised Examinations Policy Enacted: 2010 TCDSU shall campaign for the following: The current annual examination structure should be replaced with a fully semesterised structure, where workload, assessment and examinations will be evenly distributed between the two teaching terms. Christmas examinations should be introduced in an effort to reduce the workload at the end of the academic year. This will be applicable to all courses and modules unless it is determined, in discussions with College authorities, that the quality of the course would be negatively impacted upon (e.g. professional accreditation, placement, practical and final year project modules, etc.). Any changes to the timing and structure of the Supplemental and Foundation Scholarship examinations as a result of replacing the current annual examination structure should preserve the idea of balanced workload. LTP 6: Direct Provision Enacted: 2014 TCDSU shall campaign: To abolish the system of direct provision for asylum seekers. For its replacement by self-catered accommodation and the right to work for asylum seekers who have not had their applications processed after six months. For the government to sign up to the EU Receptions Conditions Directive setting down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers"
LTP 7: Pro-Choice Mandate Enacted: 2014 TCDSU shall advocate for legislation for abortion to be upon request of the woman. LTP 8: Palestine, and BDS of Israel Enacted: 2018 TCDSU will adopt a long-term policy in support of Palestine and in favour of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). As per the petition, the policy mandates TCDSU to: a) Support and endorse the Global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement b) Comply with the principles of BDS in all Student Union shops, trade, business and other Union operations c) Establish a BDS implementation group open to all members of the union to ensure compliance with (b) d) Campaign and lobby College to adopt BDS; which should include a total boycott of the State of Israel (Cultural, Academic and Economic), divestment of college funds from Israeli companies and other companies listed on the BDS Divestment List. Divestment should also involve termination of contracts with companies complicit in Israel’s violation of International Law, the occupation of Palestinian Territories and/or violations of the human rights of Palestinians. e) Lobby government and relevant external organisations to support BDS and the Palestinian anti-apartheid cause.
SECTION 2 Other Policies
CP1: Disability Policy TCDSU values diversity and adheres to the ethos of equal opportunity for all its members in participating fully in the organisation’s activities. The following guidelines are to be used by all officers to ensure that the Union does not disenfranchise any of its members in the future. General Policy • All Union documents should be clearly formatted in Arial font with a minimum size of 12 point. • A small number of all Union documents shall be produced on beige paper and also single sided. • Wherever possible, the weekly generic e-mail and other e-mails sent by Union officers shall have a beige rather than a white background. • All Union public meetings, including Council and the Executive Committee, shall be held in universally accessible venues. Upon request, standing committees shall be held in accessible venues. • In order to ensure this, the Officer for Students with Disabilities shall produce an annual list of accessible venues suitable for student meetings • Class Rep and Election Nomination Forms shall include a space for students to note any assistance they may need, such an interpreter or Braille documents. Wherever possible, the Union shall seek to provide all necessary assistance. • There shall be an access compliant version of the website, which contains text only. This should include a link to access-compliant versions of all Union documents. • All Ent’s posters shall note if an event is universally accessible. Wherever possible, the Ent’s Officer should choose accessible venues, in particular for the Fresher’s Ball, Christmas Ball and the Rag Ball. • If a student elected as a sabbatical officer is unable to access the current offices in House 6, the Union shall provide office space on the ground floor of the building. Similarly, if a student wants to meet a sabbatical officer but cannot access their office, the officer shall meet them at a suitable venue. Council and Class Reps • Members will adhere to refrain from chatting to one another during meetings as far as is possible to ensure that those who are hard of hearing aren’t prevented from hearing what is going on. • Photocopies of emergency motions will be distributed. If this is not possible, the emergency motion will be read out by the Chair of Council as many times as is needed to ensure that all members know the content of the motion. • A module will be held at class rep training to ensure that all reps know of this schedule and also how best to represent and communicate with the students in their class who have a disability. • An annual report on the implementation of this schedule shall be presented to the
second last Council of the academic year. The OSD, with the assistance of the Education and Welfare officers, shall contact sabbatical officers, the chairs of Union committees, the chair of Council, and all other appropriate persons, and seek information on how the targets set out above are being met. The report shall be considered as a Discussion Paper for the purposes of Council standing orders. Education Committee and Welfare Committee • Both committees shall endeavour to work together under the guidance of the Officer for Students with Disabilities on disability related issues that are not clearly defined welfare or education issues. • Both committees shall support the work and campaigns of the Officer for Students with Disabilities and also ensure that this schedule is upheld. CP2: Irish Language Policy The aim of this policy is to support the use of the Irish language in the Students’ Union, in Trinity, and generally. The Union believes that the rights of Irish-speakers must be upheld and promoted in all Union activities, and thus hereby recognises the Irish language, English language, and Irish Sign Language (ISL) as official languages of the Students’ Union. 1. The Union shall encourage that: (a) Every permanent sign purchased by the Union will be bilingual. (b) Temporary signs/posters shall be bilingual as far as possible. (c) All union forms and documents will be available in both languages. (d) Union staff & officers will be encouraged to initiate communication with students and the general public in Irish, if they have knowledge of the language (e.g. bilingual telephone greetings, etc.). (e) Communications with College in Irish will be encouraged (where possible and feasible), in particular following from the implementation of the Official Languages Act. (f) All sabbatical officers take responsibility for implementing this policy within their own remit, subject to the advice and guidance of the Executive and Oifigeach na Gaeilge. 2. The Union shall campaign for: (a) Full compliance by the College with the Official Languages Act. (b) The encouragement of the use of the Irish language among students and staff. (c) More Irish classes to be made available, and better promoted. (d) The increased use of Irish in College publications. (e) The rights of Irish speakers, nationally and locally, to communicate through the language of their choice.
3. The use of the Irish language at Council meetings shall be encouraged and supported, provided that written motions are provided in both Irish and English. In accordance with Schedule 11, the use of ISL (Irish Sign Language) will continue to be promoted at Council meetings.
SECTION 3
Mandates & Mandated
Policy2015/16
1. Motion on Student-Led 1916 Centenary Initiative Council notes The past and present importance of the Easter Rising on Irish History, Irish Life and The International Stage Council therefore mandates TCDSU support the student-led 1916 centenary initiative and endorses the Initiative as a TCDSU-mandated project. Proposed by Liam Cowley, JS History and Political Science Student Seconded by Lynn Ruane, President 2. Motion on Refugee Education Council notes That the world's number of displaced people due to war and persecution has reached a record high. Council recognises The disruption caused to the lives of people who are displaced, forced to resettled and rebuilds their lives. Council stresses The duty that students have to promote the interests of refugees wishing to continue their education. Council therefore mandates TCDSU TCDSU to adopt a short term policy in favour of promoting the education of refugees and asylum seekers wishing to continue with it Proposed by Rosalie Engels, International Students Officer Seconded by Aifric Ni Chriodain, Communications and Marketing Officer
3. Motion on Divestment Council notes That Trinity College, through its subsidiaries, invests money in fossil fuel companies. Council also notes The ethical and economic impacts of climate change and the culpability of the fossil industry in this crisis. Council therefore mandates That the Student Union support the campaign for the College, and its subsidiaries, to remove its investments from the fossil fuel industry. Proposed by Colm Tong, Student Seconded by Conor Reddy, SF Science Class Rep 4. Motion on Student Fees Council notes The impending Cassells report on third level funding. Council recognises The SU currently has no position to campaign against increased fees. Council further notes That the right to free third level education is a universal human right. Council therefore mandates That the Students’ Union opposes any increase in fees or student contribution fees for any section of the student body, and the student body as a whole. Proposed by Oisín Vince Coulter, Class Rep Seconded by Conor Reddy, Class Rep
5. Motion on MSM Blood Ban Council notes The current blanket ban on MSM donating blood under the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, and other restrictions to donation under current IBTS rules. Council mandates The LGBT Rights Officer to formulate a campaign, alongside the SU President, aimed at the removal of the current blanket ban on MSM donating blood in the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, and other restrictions. Council further mandates That we will aim to achieve a 6 month abstention period for MSM as a part of our campaign. Proposed by Samuel Riggs, LGBT Rights Officer Seconded by Kieran McNulty, Citizenship Officer 6. Motion on TFT Council notes That there are students and staff for whom smoking is a problem on campus. Council further notes That a proposal for the total removal of smoking on campus under the TFT initiative was rejected by referendum, and that the current proposal for permanent smoke free zones is therefore a separate and new proposal Council therefore mandates That the SU Officers engage with the college sub-committee on smoking, and support the introduction of smoke free zones in identified problem areas on campus. Only if the zones are specifically and individually agreed upon with the student representatives of that group which will be SU Welfare and the SU President. Also they must adhere to the following: That the zones are deemed permanent and not an interim measure to Trinity becoming a tobacco free campus. Council further mandates: That if the condition is not met the SU Officers will withdraw from discussion with the group and will voice dissent at any relevant fora including board. Proposed by Conor Clancy, Welfare Officer Seconded by Aoibhinn Louglin, JS Medicine Class Rep
7. Motion on Consent Workshops Council notes: The Consent workshops given to incoming students in many UK universities. Council further notes: The work of the JCR in Halls to organise workshops for incoming Fresher’s in September 2016. Council mandates: The Welfare Officer to work with the JCR in organising these workshops, and organise them for all incoming students in future years. Proposed by Kieran McNulty, Citizenship Officer Seconded by Louise Mulrennan, Gender Equality Officer 8. Motion on Reporting Sabbatical Expenses Council notes: That mandated policy enacted in 2011 obliges the sabbatical officers to report expenses in their officer reports to Council and ensures a rigorous and transparent structure for claiming expenses. Council further notes: That this policy is set to expire. Council therefore mandates: The renewal of the motion on sabbatical officer expenses. Proposed by Rosalie Engels, International Students Officer Seconded by Molly Kenny, Education Officer
9. Motion on Schedule 9 Council notes: Schedule 9, dealing with the terms of reference and membership of standing committees, has not been updated recently. Council mandates: The Welfare committee to consist of: the welfare officer, secretary, PRO, volunteer coordinator, off-campus officer, research officer, two ordinary committee members. Council further mandates: The Communications & Marketing committee to consist of: the communications & marketing officer, the sponsorship officer, the jobs officer, one ordinary committee member. Proposed by Aoibhinn Loughlin, JS Class Rep Seconded by Conor Clancy, Welfare Officer 10. Motion on Campaign Guides Council notes: That the amount of students coming to the SU to engage in campaigns has increased over several years. Council further notes: That many factors including the College bureaucracy and the perceived stress of running a campaign can lead to a decline in participation despite clear interest. Council mandates: The President, Welfare and Equality Officer and Communications and Marketing Officer to organize a ‘campaign guide’ which will give accessible information on how to organize a campaign. This would include a sample campaign structure, key contact information and tips on how to run a successful campaign. Council further mandates: That this campaign guide will be ready for the first council of the next academic year. Proposed by Unkown Second by Unkown
11. Motion on Sabbatical Office Hours Council notes: That Sabbatical Officers are frequently busy, either with meetings in their office or meetings and events out of their office. Council further notes: That the accessibility of Sabbatical Officers to the students they represent is essential to the pursuit of openness, inclusiveness and student engagement with the Students’ Union. Council therefore mandates: That Sabbatical Officers schedule at least 2 hours per week during term time, during which they will be available for students to drop in, and that these will be publicized by the Students’ Union Proposed by Jason Leonard, Deputy EMS Convenor Seconded by Paraic McLean, School of Drama, Film and Music Convenor 12. Motion on Welfare Officer Role Council believes: The long term planning is essential to running an effective student union. Council notes: The value added by the strategic plan to the student unions’ long term direction. Council therefore mandates: The welfare officer to put together a strategy on direction and improvement of the welfare officer’s role. This is to be brought to first council in Michaelmas term 2016. Proposed by Unknown Seconded by Unknown 13. Motion on Electoral Review Commitee Council Notes: The stress the annual sabbatical elections can have on candidates, their campaign teams and the drop in participation of the student body as the campaign continues.
Council Further Notes: That the election system has not undergone a proper review in several years. Council Therefore Mandates: The president, education officer, welfare officer and chair of the electoral commission to convene an Elections Review Committee which will comprehensively review our sabbatical, class rep and union forum elections, and issue a report on proposed (if any) changes to be submitted to Council in the first term of the next academic year. Council Further Mandates: That input on this committee should be sought from previous and current members of the Electoral and Oversight Commission, previous and current sabbatical officers, other student unions, and the wider student body. Proposed by Kieran McNulty, Citizenship Officer Seconded by Dale Whelehan, HS Faculty Convenor 14. Motion of Scholars at Risk Council Notes: That student led activity has huge value to the college and to students’ lives. Council Believes: That the SU should empower students by supporting student led activity. Council Recognises: The issue of academic freedom, the refugee issue and the potential of students to impact change. Council Therefore Mandates: The International Students Officer, the Citizenship Officer and a sabbatical officer to be appointed in July by the sabbatical officer team, to establish and support a student working group to work alongside the Trinity Scholars at Risk Committee. Proposed by Conor Clancy, Welfare Officer Seconded by Dale Whelehan, HS Faculty Convenor
2016/17
1. Motion on Student Centre Council notes The lack of available dedicated student space. Council further notes That TCD is the only university in Ireland without a student centre. Council mandates That the SU President campaign for a student centre with College, to be constructed within the next five years. Proposed by Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by Aoibhinn Loughlin, Welfare and Equality Officer 2. Motion on Lobby Group Council notes The move towards lobbying that USI and TCDSU have taken in recent years. Council further notes That students should have an outlet to present their views on national issues to government. Council mandates That the TCDSU Lobby Group to be created, which will research and present papers to government and other stakeholders on SU Council-mandated issues. Proposed by Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by Glen Byrne, Communications and Marketing Officer
3. Motion on Polling Hours Council notes That the SU pays for its students for polling hours during elections. Council mandates That the Electoral Commission be basked to first take these hours, followed by members of Union Forum and School Convenors, then the Class Reps, and that this process by open and transparent. Proposed by Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by Dale Whelehan, Education Officer 4. Motion on Schedule 9 Council notes Schedule 9, dealing with the terms of reference and membership of standing committees, has not been updated recently for the Education Committee. Council mandates The Education Committee to consist of: The Education Officer, Secretary, Graduate Students Union Vice President, Faculty Convenors, Programme Convenors, 1 elected representative from each year. Proposed by Dale Whelehan, Education Officer Seconded by Alice MacPherson, AHSS Convenor 5. Motion on Accessibility to Ents Events Council proposes SU Ents events should be accessible to all students. Council there mandates The Ents officer to hold events in accessible venues where possible and to include a list of accessible clubs in the crossover manual. Proposed by Dale Whelehan, Education Officer Seconded by Padraic Rowley, Entertainments Officer
6. Motion on Ents Officer Support Council notes That the position of Ents Officer provides a resource in event organization and marketing that other positions do not have on the same scale. Council further notes That these resources could and should be utilised by part time officers and their associated campaigns and events. Council mandates That the Ents officer should assist part time officers, if requested, in the booking, organising and marketing of events or campaigns associated to the relevant positions purposes. Proposed by Padraic Rowley, Entertainments Officer Seconded by Conor McLoughlin, Deputy EMS Faculty Convenor 7. Motion on Installations Officer for Ents Committee Council notes That the addition of artist installations to Trinity Ball would have a positive impact on the event and develop a sense of community pride in the exhibits. Council further notes That this workload will require a dedicated position to act administratively towards an application and approval process for these installations. Council mandates That the position of Installations officer be added to the Ents committee to manage the application process for these installations. Proposed by Padraic Rowley, Entertainments Officer Seconded by Laura Matthews, Natural Science Convenor
8. Motion on Drug Decriminalisation Council notes That 82% of third level students surveyed in the National Student Drug Survey (2015) had tried illicit drugs at least once; 300 students took part in this survey. Council further notes That the USI drug report (2015) recommended the shift to a decriminalisation model, following the path of Portugal, which would ensure students, would not be shackled by a debilitating minor drug conviction that would have consequences on their future study, employment, or travel prospects. Council asserts That a policy of decriminalisation together with harm-reducing awareness initiatives and services is how we will achieve a safer, more informed, and fairer society. Council mandates That the Students’ Union adopts a pro-decriminalisation stance, in line with USI’s positions, to enable the Drug Policy Reform Lobby Group to promote student interests in the political sphere. Proposed by Robert Keogh, Chair of TCDSU Drug Policy Reform Lobby Group Seconded by Kieran McNulty, President 9. Motion on Joint Course Programme Convenor Council notes There is no programme convenor for Joint Courses within the structures of TCDSU. Council further notes The programme convenor could be an incredible asset for dealing with Joint Course specific issues that otherwise go unaddressed. Council mandates A convenor for joint courses to be elected, who will have the responsibility to meet with Joint Course Co-ordinators, sit on relevant school and course committees to help represent students from this cohort within the Union. Proposed by Alice MacPherson, AHSS Faculy Convenor Seconded by Colm O’Halloran, Deputy AHSS Faculty Convenor
10. Motion on Class Representative Talk Council notes The SU held its first “What is a class rep?” talk this year as part of “Know your Union Week”. Council further notes Such an event is a useful tool for informing students, particularly incoming junior fresh, about what a class rep and the SU do, and for encouraging them to get involved. Council mandates That the Education Officer and the Faculty Convenors will organize such a talk each year prior to the deadline for class rep elections. Proposed by Niall Cooke, EMS Faculty Convenor Seconded by Alice MacPherson, AHSS Faculty Convenor 11. Motion on SU Staff Council notes That the SU has many staff on its payroll and many of its positions are part - time. Council mandates That part- time SU positions in the SU shops and Front Office be filled by Trinity students. Proposed by Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by Glen Byrne, Communications and Marketing Officer 12. Motion on SU-GSU Memorandum Council mandates The SU adopts the memorandum of agreement between the Graduate Students’ Union and the Students’ Union (attached to agenda). Proposed by: Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer
13. Motion on Students Rejected from Trinity Hall Council notes That hundreds of first year students are rejected from Trinity Hall each year. Council further notes That this rejection can cause severe distress and social isolation for said students, which has been shown to impact them right through their college experience. Council further notes The success of the ‘No Diggity’ event run on the Monday of Freshers’ Week by TCDSU Welfare and Ents, aimed at non halls students, where they we are encouraged to arrive by themselves and partake in team games in order to make friends before the Ents evening activities. Council mandates The Welfare and Equality Officer and the Entertainments Officer to organise a similar event at the start of Fresher’s Week aimed at assisting students who are not Hall residents to meet others who are in a similar position. Proposed by: Aoibhinn Loughlin, Welfare and Equality Officer Seconded by: Kieran McNulty, President 14. Motion on Accessibility of Lecture Slides Council notes That many lecturers use non accessible fonts and colours in their slides that may cause problems for many students with a disability. Council therefore mandates The Education Officer and the Officer for Students with Disabilities to campaign to lecturers to use sans serif fonts and plain background in their slides, should they use them. Proposed by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer Seconded by: Aoibhinn Loughlin, Welfare and EqualityOfficer
15. Motion on Availability of Lecture Slides Council recognises That lecture slides can be an invaluable source of information for students, particularly for revision coming up to exam time. Council notes That lecturers do not have to provide students with lecture slides, even after the lecture itself and that even if the slides are available online, they are often not updated regularly. Council also recognises That lecturers are not obligated to post their lecture slides online, often as they are not properly referenced and could cause legal dispute. Council notes That emails sent to a class and notes uploaded to Blackboard would not cause any problems in this area. Council therefore mandates The Education Officer and the Faculty Convenors to campaign to lecturers who use lectures slides to provide them to the class rep to pass on to the rest of their class or to upload them to Blackboard. Proposed by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer Seconded by: Kieran McNulty, President. 16. Motion on Peer Support Training Council notes That mandated policy enacted in 2014 obliges the incoming Education and Welfare Officers to attend S2S Peer Supporter training before taking officer when able. Council also notes That this policy is set to expire. Council therefore mandates The renewal of 13/14 Motion on Welfare and Education Officer Training. Proposed by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer Seconded by: Aoibhinn Loughlin, Welfare and Equality Officer.
17. Motion on Livestreaming Council notes That attendance of council is important to all voting and non voting members of the Student’s Union. Council further notes That attendance of council is not always possible for students due to personal and academic conflicts. Council believes That members of council may engage with council in other mediums when they cannot be physically present. Council mandates That the Communications and Marketing Officer, or another sabbatical officer if the Communications and Marketing Officer cannot attend, provides a livestream of council via the internet so that members of council who cannot attend can still engage with council. Proposed by: Paraic McLean, Drama, Film and Music Convenor Seconded by: Glen Byrne, Communications and Marketing Officer 18. Motion on Fracking Council notes Fracking injects liquid under high pressure into the Earth’s core to explore for or extract petroleum from these layers; and this method has been found to increase the rate of climate change by polluting maritime life, ecosystems, water sources and the atmosphere. Council further notes Bill Number 37 proposed by Fine Gael against fracking was debated in the Dáil on the 27th October and engaged crossparty consensus. It recognises that prohibiting fracking supports Ireland’s international obligations to the environment under the 2016 Paris Climate Change Agreements. Introducing fracking would also conflict with renewable energy pledges made by the previous Irish government in its 2012 “Our Sustainable Future” document. Council mandates That the Students’ Union adopt a stance against fracking in Ireland in line with the SU’s 2016 fossil fuel divestment mandate.
Council further mandates That the TCDSU Environmental Lobby Group campaigns on this matter within national politics on behalf of the student population. Proposed by: Lorcan McLaren, Linguistics Convenor Seconded by: Kieran McNulty, President 19. Motion on PrEP Council notes That Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important tool in reducing the rate of HIV infections. Council further Notes PrEP is not currently available in Ireland. Council therefore mandates That the LGBT Rights Officer and the President to campaign for the introduction of PrEP in Ireland. Proposed by: Sean O'Caroll, LGBT Rights Officer Seconded by: Laura Matthews, Natural Science Convenor
20. Motion on Gender Neutral Bathroom Council notes Gender neutral bathrooms are important in providing a safe and comfortable college environment for all students. Council further notes That several venues which Trinity Ents may use do not have gender-neutral bathroom facilities and it would be unfeasible for Ents to find alternatives. Council therefore mandates That gender neutral bathrooms be available at all SU events, where feasible. Council further mandates The LGBT Rights Officer and the President to work with college to get gender neutral bathrooms, with sanitary facilities, available in every building in college. Proposed by: Sean O'Carroll, LGBT Rights Officer Seconded by: Emma Purser, Convenor of the Confederal School of Religion, Peace Studies and Theology 21. Motion on INMO Support Council notes: The recent vote of in favour of industrial action by INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation), which passed by a majority of 90%. Council acknowledges: That the industrial action is in response to issues that directly affect the student nurses and midwives who are members of TCDSU. Council therefore mandates: That TCDSU shall adopt a stance in support of this industrial action by INMO. Proposed by: Laura Killeen, HS Faculty Convenor Seconded by: Alice MacPherson, AHSS Faculty Convenor
22. Motion on Ethnic Minorities Officer Council notes: The diversity of the Trinity population and the SU's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Council mandates: That an Ethnic Minorities Officer be elected. The duties of the Ethnic Minorities Officer are as follows: - To support and represent students from ethnic minority backgrounds. - Chair sub-committee to concentrate on issues students from ethnic minority backgrounds face Proposed by: Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by: Aoibhinn Loughlin, Welfare and Equality 23. Motion on Bringing JCR President to Union Forum Council notes: The important of the JCR as a student association in college life, particularly in the transition of students to 3rd level living in Trinity Hall. Council further notes: That the JCR do not formally, in any capacity, represent the students of Halls in the Student Union Forum. Council further notes: The importance of the relationship between the SU and JCR in order to best represent the students of Halls and their opinions. Council therefore mandates: The invitation to be extended to the JCR President to act as an ex-officio member of the Union Forum. Proposed by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer Seconded by: Alice MacPherson, AHSS Faculty Convenor
24. Motion on Local Issues Council notes: That Council rarely features discussions on local issues affecting all Trinity students. Council also notes: That the Strategic Plan aims to increase the diversity of Council speakers. Council mandates: That a permanent item of 'Local Issues' be added to the agenda of every Council, to last at least ten minutes where appropriate. Proposed by: Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer 25. Motion on Trinity Volunteer Forum Council notes: That the Trinity Volunteering Forum is not currently supported by the SU. Council also notes: That the work of the Volunteering Forum is crucial to supporting the extended college community and the city of Dublin. Council mandates: That the Volunteering Forum chair is elected at last Council as an ex-officio part-time officer and the SU would support Trinity volunteering. Proposed by: Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by: Glen Byrne, Communications and Marketing Officer
26. Motion on Fees Council notes: That TCDSU does not have a formal position on how higher education should be funded with regards to the findings of the Cassells Report. The Union of Students in Ireland, our national student union, has a mandate to support free third level education on a timeline of 14 years and to oppose fees of all descriptions, including the current registration (change to: student contribution) fee. Council further notes: That one of several proposals made by the Cassells Working Group was completely free, tax funded higher education. Council therefore mandates: That TCDSU adopt a formal position against fees and income contingent loans in all forms and that the Union support tax payer funded, free education for all with continuous further investment in the sector. Council also mandates: That TCDSU campaigns for a reform of the SUSI grant system to include part-time students and also reflect the true cost of living of a student. Council also mandates: That TCDSU campaign for the employer contribution to higher education (namely the National Training Fund) to be increased significantly. Proposed by: Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by: Glen Byrne, Communications and Marketing Officer
27. Motion on Government Lobbying to Support Rights of People with Disabilities Council notes That in 2007, Ireland signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Council further notes That 9 years on, Ireland has still not ratified the Convention, making it the only EU member state not to do so. Council further notes That this vital piece of legislation provides people with disabilities living in each country that has signed onto it protection against discrimination, and without it, institutions and services are not legally obligated to cater to the needs of those with disabilities. Council therefore mandates TCDSU to lobby the government to support the rights of people with disabilities, including the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities. Proposed by: Aoibhinn Loughlin, Welfare and Equality Officer Seconded by: Kieran McNulty, President 28. Motion on the SU supporting TCD Strike for Repeal in Striking, Demonstration and Solidarity Council notes The 8th amendment affects students directly. Council therefore mandates The SU should support TCD Strike for Repeal in Striking, Demonstration and Solidarity Proposed by: Rachel Skelly, Gender Equality Officer Seconded by: Aine Palmer, JS English Literature Class Rep
29. Motion on Unity of Ireland Council notes: Northern Ireland has never been closer to having a referendum. Council notes: It’s fast becoming a student issue. Council mandates: TCDSU to hold a preferendum to have a stance on the reunification of Ireland, with three options in the preferendum, these being neutrality, reunification or to oppose unification. Proposed by: Naomi Walsh, JS Psychology Class Rep Seconded by: Cornelius Lenthe, JS BESS Class Rep 30. Motion on Harm Reduction Efforts at Ents Events Council notes: Trinity SSDP was set up by a number of concerned students who wish to reframe the current discourse on drugs. Our focus is on safety, not stigma. Council mandates: Harm reduction efforts be made at Ents events in general, specifically Trinity Ball. Proposed by: Conor Reddy, Science Convenor Seconded by: Fiona Waters, JS Immunology Class Rep 31. Motion on HEA Fund Council notes The HEA student services fund which has been made available to the SU. Council further notes That this money is not gathering interest. Council mandates That 200,000 euro of this fund is invested and the interest on this is used as a bursary for students who have to travel on placement.
Council also mandates That the remaining 120,000 euro be used for services which improve the student experience in College. Proposed by: Kieran McNulty, President Seconded by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer 32. Motion on Formation of Academic Senate Council notes: That the Students Union is the primary means of representation for students to engage in Academic issues. Council further notes: That Faculty Assembly currently does not best structurally facilitate Academic Discussion which can be escalated and resolved quickly. Council further notes: The extensive role of a class rep to care for the welfare of their class, organize entertainment, and act as the primary academic representative. Council mandates: The Education Officer and their Standing Committee to form an Academic Senate, which will feed into the Student Council as the main Governing Body of TCDSU. Proposed by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer Seconded by: Alice MacPherson, AHSS Faculty Convenor 33. Motion on Supporting Irish Legislation against Censorship of Scientific Findings Council notes That members of the global scientific community are organising local marches in protest at cuts to funding, an increase in censorship and irresponsible disregard for the findings of the scientific community.
Council further notes That STEM students across Ireland are organising a similar march, to take place on April 22nd in Dublin, and in other locations where possible (e.g. limerick). Council therefore mandates That TCDSU formally support this solidarity march, and any of its students who wish to take part, regardless of course. Council further mandates That TCDSU would support Irish legislation against censorship of scientific findings, and further support the recognition of these findings where appropriate. Proposed by: Simon Benson, JS Botany Class Rep Seconded by: Meabh Cullen, Officer for Students with Disabilities 34. Motion on S2S Proposal Council notes The need to support efficient student services. Council mandates That the S2S proposal to fund an internship be adopted using the HEA fund, with the aim for the post to be funded by College after two years if it is successful. Proposed by: Union Forum 35. Motion on Peer Support Strategy Council notes The high number of students that need support and assistance in our college, who are unable to get it. Council also notes That implementing a Peer Support Welfare Office Cover strategy would allow for more students to be seen, reducing the number of students who can not avail of help when required; promote the Peer Support Service as a valuable and worthwhile service for students; and allow for the Welfare Officer to be available for the more complex cases when students need it.
Council Approves The 2017 Peer Support Welfare Office Cover Policy as written by the SU Welfare Officer. Council therefore mandates The SU Welfare Officer to work with the S2S Co-ordinator to implement this strategy during term time, provided Peer Supporters are available, and to update the policy document with the guidance of the S2S Co-ordinator annually. Proposed by: Aoibhinn Loughlin, Welfare and Equality Officer Seconded by: Dale Whelehan, Education Officer 36. Motion on Branding Council notes It is important for TCDSU’s communication and representation that it has an identifiable and cohesive brand. Council also notes The branding guidelines create consistency while allowing a certain level of flexibility. Council mandates TCDSU & Trinity Ents follow the branding guideline in any communications Proposed by: Glen Byrne, Communications and Marketing Officer Seconded by: Una Harty, Oifigeach na Gaeilge 37. Motion on Harm Reduction Stance Council notes This year the SU adopted a decriminalisation stance with respect to drug policy. However, this does not ensure direct action by the SU to educate and protect Trinity students that consume licit/illicit substances. A mandate to adopt a harm reduction stance would ensure that education and awareness surrounding drug use amongst Trinity students is prioritised. Council also notes Harm reduction aims to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use. • It accepts that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and chooses to work to minimise its harmful effects. • Does not attempt to downplay the real and tragic harm and danger associated with licit and illicit drug use.
• Does not promote or condone the use of illicit substances. Council mandates That the SU adopt a Harm Reduction Stance with respect to drug policy. Council also mandates That the SU set up a harm reduction working group to coordinate a Harm Reduction campaign. Membership should be open to all interested parties and should include the SU Welfare Officer or a representative from the Welfare Committee. Proposed by: Fiona Waters, JS Immunology Class Rep Seconded by: Conor Reddy, Science Convenor 38. Motion on Northern Irish Students Council recognises The results of the recent preferendum on Irish Unity in which 55% of students voted in favour of TCDSU remaining neutral on the issue of a United Ireland. Council also recognises The hard work of the Brexit Lobby Group in lobbying against fee increases for students from Northern Ireland. Council therefore mandates That TCDSU continue to lobby against fee increases for students from Northern Ireland, and in addition, campaign and lobby against any further restrictions on crossing the border. Council also mandates That the SU President organise a series of open discussions over one week each year, where students can discuss the particular difficulties faced by students from Northern Ireland and border counties and the best way the SU can campaign and lobby on these difficulties. Proposed by: Sally Anne McCarthy, SF Science Class Rep Seconded by: Stacey Wrenn, SF Jewish and Islamic Civilisation Class Rep
2017/18
1. Motion on LGBTQ Sub Committee Council notes The need for diverse representation of the LGBTQ community within the SU. Council also notes The inability of a single LGBT Rights Officer to represent the entire LGBTQ community within college. Council therefore mandates That Schedule 9 be amended to include the LGBTQ sub-committee. This committee will be chaired by the LGBT Rights Officer and members will be chosen by a transparent application process, with one sabbatical officer and the LGBT Rights Officer as the panel. Proposed by Sean O’Carroll, SS Computer Science Class Rep Seconded by Noah Galli, LGBT Rights Officer 2. Motion on Student Poverty Council notes That per studies completed by the USI, 87% of Irish students fear having to drop out of third-level education due to financial constraints, 58% are skipping meals to be able to continue to afford college — and approximately 2/3rds of students are missing lectures due to needing to work instead. Council also notes Poverty and social exclusion are intrinsically linked, and that creating an inclusive environment for all Trinity students, regardless of gender, race, class, sexuality et al is the duty of the Student Union. Council mandates The President and Welfare officer to work on a campaign tackling student poverty. Council also mandates TCDSU to look into practical measures to ease the burden of poverty and impacts had upon the student body particularly in regard to hidden homelessness, drop-out rates due to financial issues, and food poverty.
Council further mandates TCDSU to lobby the government to factor in student interests during the writing of the budget. Proposed by Damien McClean, Citizenship Officer Seconded by Stacey Wrenn, SF Jewish and Islamic Civilisation Class Rep 3. Motion on Single Use Plastic Council notes The work done so far in Trinity to improve sustainability on campus since the launch of the Sustainable Development Policy in 2008. Council regrets That a huge amount of single-use plastic are used and thrown away every day on campus. Council therefore mandates TCDSU to support the TCD Plastics Solutions campaign in their aim to eliminate single- use plastics from Campus. Proposed by: Susanna Garside, SS European Studies Class Rep Seconded by: Simon Benson, Environmental Officer 4. Motion on Booking Class Rep Training Council notes That class rep training, its booking and its organisation requires a high number of work hours for the Education Officer. Council further notes That class rep training is a significant expense for the Union. Council therefore mandates That the Education Officer be responsible for setting the dates and booking the subsequent year’s class rep training venue. Proposed by Alice MacPherson, Education Officer Seconded by Colm O’Halloran, AHSS Faculty Convenor
5. Motion on the Upkeep of the Management System Council notes That the Management System is a crucial resource for the Electoral Commission and the Oversight Commission, as well as many other Officers. Council regrets That all aspects of the Management System are not currently up to date Council therefore mandates. Countil therefore mandates That the Oversight Commission have responsibility for ensuring the Management System is up to date. Council further mandates That the Oversight Commission are required to review the accuracy of entries into the Management System no less than twice a year. Proposed by Alice MacPherson, Education Officer Seconded by Colm O’Halloran, AHSS Faculty Convenor 6. Motion on Board of Trustees Council notes That the TCDSU Board of Trustees is a central element of our governance structure. Council further notes Council removed one member of the Board of Trustees at its last meeting. Council further notes Annie Hoey has been a staunch ally of the student movement and to TCDSU specifically, in her tenure as USI President. Council therefore nominates Annie Hoey to membership of the Board of Trustees, until such time as she resigns or is removed in accordance with the Constitution. Proposed by: Kevin Keane, President Seconded by: Alice MacPherson, Education Officer
7. Motion on Increasing the Size of the Communications Committee to Five Members Council notes The work of the Communications and Marketing Officer requires fast turnaround and their workload can be very large at times. Council further notes The work which the Communications and Marketing Officer undertakes requires specific skills which can only be determined via an application. Council therefore mandates That the Communications Committee has five OCM positions which are selected by the Communications and Marketing Officer via an application form open to the general college community. Proposed by: Úna Harty, Communications and Marketing Officer Seconded by: Sean O Carroll, SS Computer Science Class Rep 8. Motion on TCDSU Style Guide Expansion Council notes The Students’ Union already upholds a style guide with regards to the branding of the Union with regards to graphic design both online and in published materials. Council also notes That there is other documents that the Students’ Union produces such as minutes from council, academic senate, faculty assembly, and union forum that do not fall under this style guide. Council therefore mandates That the Communications and Marketing Officer ensures that all documents (such as the minutes from council, academic senate, faculty assembly, and union forum) that are produced by the Students’ Union, and that are circulated within the Students’ Union, excluding sub-committees, must follow the style guide that is enforced by the Communications and Marketing Officer
Council also mandates That the Communcations and Marketing Officer updates the style guide to ensure the cohesive design of the minutes, and also to create the template for aforementioned minutes. Proposed by Paraic McLean, Convenor of Creative Arts Seconded by Úna Harty, Communications and Marketing Officer 9. Motion on Community Liaison PTO Council notes That an increasing number of students are living in the suburbs of Dublin, at increasing distances from our main campus. Council regrets That those students are more vulnerable to suffer from loneliness and isolation. Council further notes The success of the Know Your Neighbour initiative in combatting loneliness and building communities of Trinity students in the suburbs of Dublin. Council therefore mandates The creation of a Communities Liaison Part Time Officer, with responsibility for fostering a sense of community for Trinity students in the suburbs of Dublin. Proposed by Kevin Keane, President Seconded by Úna Harty, Communications and Marketing Officer 10. Motion on Class Rep Election Council notes That class reps make up the vast majority of the Union’s highest decision making body: Council. Council further notes That the class rep election process should facilitate the election of as many reps, and therefore the representation of as many classes, as possible. Council therefore mandates The Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC) and Secretary to the EC (Education Officer) to jointly produce a report to be presented at secondcouncil. This report should
include a full review of the election process, as well as recommendations. Council further mandates The Communications and Marketing Officer formulate a strategy document for increasing student engagement with elections. This should be done in consultation with the President, Education Officer and Chair of the EC. Proposed by Alice MacPherson, Education Officer Seconded by Úna Harty, Communications and Marketing Officer 11. Motion to Remove Stance on TFT Council notes The Union’s current stance on the Tobacco Free Trinity initiative Council further notes Discussion at the Union’s Council meetings has indicated that there is lack of consensus on this policy. Council therefore mandates That the mandate be removed from Schedule 4. Proposed by Kevin Keane, President Seconded by Alice MacPherson, Education Officer 12. Motion on Aramark and Direct Provision Council notes That there is a Long-Term Policy for the SU to campaign to end Direct Provision, since a 2014 referendum. Council further notes That the Westland Café in the Hamilton Building was contracted by College to Aramark Ireland Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary company noted for administrating 3 Direct Provision centres for asylum seekers in Ireland. Aramark has been the subject of numerous complaints of providing inadequate, culturally inappropriate, poorly-prepared and non-nutritious food to refugees, including children; of failing to provide basic hygiene products; and of poor living conditions within their centres.
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